This study examined the relationship between a maternal alcohol use diagnosis, the timing of diagnosis, and child protection outcomes in Western Australia. Results showed children of women who were diagnosed were at increased risk of a substantiated child protection allegation and entry into out-of-home care. The highest risk of child protection contact was associated with diagnosis received during pregnancy, and in the years immediately pre- and post-pregnancy.
Authors: Hafekost K, Lawrence D, O’Leary C, Bower C, O’Donnell M, Semmens J, Zubrick SR.
Publication: Child Abuse and Neglect
Date: October 2017